Top survival tips for working mums

It’s easy to think that at all the other mums at the school drop-off look so calm, whilst in comparison you’ve just noticed the toothpaste dribbled down your not-quite ironed shirt as you frantically hurry the kids out of the car, ten minutes late again.

All the while your little ones are questioning your priorities; “But mummy why can’t you come to help with the play, or the assembly, or the Egyptian day? Jack’s mummy always helps.”

“Because, sweetie, mummy has to go to work!”

Organised chaos doesn’t work for everyone and many mums are in the same boat, struggling with juggling and everyone drops their balls now and again. But there are some sure fire pointers to surviving the madness.

• Make a to-do list, keep it on your phone and then you will always have it to hand. Update it in the evening when you have a (rare) quiet moment to yourself so you know what’s in store for the next day.

• The cleaning and ironing can wait - go to the beach instead and have fun with the family. The kids won’t always need or want you to go out with them so make the most of it while they’re young.

• Divide and conquer when it comes to chores. That means partners and kids too as soon as they’re old enough. Why not make a game out of it too?

• Being a working parent can make you worry about not spending enough quality time with your child. Just make sure the time you do spend together counts. Turn off the gadgets and enjoy some quiet cuddles after a long day apart.

• Be realistic. Life is not the same as pre-baby. With every small person comes big responsibility and it helps if you set realistic goals. Easy-cook dinners are one way to go, theres nothing wrong with ordering the odd takeaway or beans on toast.

• Having support is great if you’re lucky enough to have family close by - if not then mums at the school or nursery are always willing to share pickups and activity lifts.

• If you can afford it, pay for help. More families than you think have a cleaner, just take a look outside when you have a day off and see the brigade of cleaners that turn up when you are usually at work!

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